Adrenal and Pituitary Disorders Flashcards
What is hypopituitarism?
deficiency of one or more pituitary hormones
What is gigantism and when does it occur?
growth hormone excess
before puberty
What is acromegaly and when does it occur?
overproduction of growth hormone
after puberty
what is the main difference between gigantism and acromegaly?
acromegaly occurs years, after puberty and is irreversible
gigantism occurs before puberty
what are the assessment findings for acromegaly?
large hands and face
what is the number 1 symptom of acromegaly?
headaches
How many years does it take for acromegaly to present itself?
12
what is the treatment for hyperpituitarism?
hypophysectomy
What is the patient education for hypophysectomy?
Avoid straining
monitor for post nasal drip
avoid coughing
report increased swallowing
What is diabetes insipidus?
posterior pituitary gland disorder that results in decreased ADH
What are the assessment findings for DI?
excessive urination
severe dehydration
excessive thirst
Mental status changes
constipation
clear diluted urine
What are the risk factors for DI?
head trauma
brain tumor
meningitis
encephalitis
low ADH
What are some lab findings for DI?
low urine specific gravity
high sodium levels
what can happen with high sodium levels?
tetany/muscle weakness
what is the normal range for urine specific gravity?
1.005 - 1.030
what are the nursing interventions for DI?
daily weight
sodium level monitoring
assess LOC
fluids
what is the treatment for DI?
desmopressin
fluids
What is SIADH?
secretion of ADH when plasma osmolarity is low resulting in water retention
What are the assessment findings for SIADH?
nausea/vomiting
lethargy
low DTR
low urine output
low sodium
What are the risk factors of SIAHD?
SCC of lung
brain trauma
head trauma
infection
what labs do you look at for SIADH?
sodium
plasma osmolality
increased urine specific gravity
What are the nursing interventions/considerations for SIADH?
fluid restriction
diuretics
daily weight
I&O
sodium monitoring
assess LOC
3 S’s of adrenal gland hormones?
Sugar (glucocorticoids)
Salt (mineralcorticoids)
Sex (androgens)
What is Addison’s Disease?
LOW aldosterone and cortisol